"The Nut Job" features muddy-colored and often ugly animation, a plot that feels too stretched out and loaded with details to hold the attention of most children, and more flatulence jokes than anyone deserves. - New York TimesEDIT

It's easy to mock some of these platitudes, and it's to Mr. Mettler's credit that he never does. His questions are answered with more questions, because words seem ultimately useless in his query. - New York TimesEDIT

With awkward slow-motion effects, clunky transitions and pregnant zooms that seem conspicuously in the wrong speed or otherwise a little off, Mr. Oliver's film aims for a glossy mainstream aesthetic without the budget or skills to match. - New York TimesEDIT

Watching it feels like packing a semester-long history course with a very cool, left-leaning teacher into less than 90 minutes. The aim is wide-reaching and abstract, yet cohesive and invigorating. - New York TimesEDIT

Ms. Jaye uses sound, composition and careful patience to create a contemplative mood of memory, loss and magic. With limited resources and the power of storytelling, she has created a small film that feels mainstream and epic. - New York TimesEDIT